Synopsis

CAMP UNITY is the story of music, dance, and theater students from different areas and ethno-religious backgrounds of Iraq attending an American performing arts academy in Erbil and Suleimanya, overcoming personal and cultural conflicts and improving their artistic skills and talents along the way.

This July, 400 talented Iraqi youth will travel across their war-torn nation to study with eight American music, dance and drama teachers at the American Voices Unity Performing Arts Academy 2008. Arabs and Kurds, Sunni and Shia, Christian and Muslim, neither cultural conflicts, sweltering heat nor harsh dust storms can deter the dancing feet and harmonious voices of these vibrant youth. Despite a number of obstacles, the students will unite with each other and the American staff to learn Hip Hop, Jazz, Orchestra and Broadway and prepare for the big show…

American Voices is one of the United States' leading arts organizations bringing cultural diplomacy to nations emerging from conflict or isolation, and have designed unique cultural exchange programs in over 90 countries with the mission of uniting disparate cultures through music, dance and theater. After the outstanding success of the first Unity Academy in Summer 2007, there was unanimous agreement that more opportunities for study and teacher-training were needed in Iraq, and American Voices is embarking on a second Unity Project, with the Performing Arts Academy to be held July 6-27, 2008.

Revolving around the events of the Unity Academy 2008, CAMP UNITY will follow a number of Iraqi students and American staff members who share their personal stories and experiences during this life-changing event. Interweaving interviews and footage of the major players, the film will explore the powerful impacts this innovative cultural exchange program has upon its participants as the Academy unfolds, challenges are faced, successes are achieved, and the final performance draws near.

CAMP UNITY will be in English, Arabic, and Kurdish with English subtitles and run approximately one hour. It will be shot on High Definition (HD) video, combining popular documentary styles from handheld verite cinematography and interactive interview techniques to more traditional talking head segments and high quality performance photography/audio recordings.